COCKTAILS AT EIGHT

The holidays are the perfect time to entertain and what could be more festive than having friends over for drinks? You may already have a stocked bar cart or tray tucked into the corner of your living room ready for a deluge of thirsty friends.  If not, don't worry, follow these rules and you will have a stocked and stylish bar ready to entertain friends and family this holiday season.

 My home bar is always ready to serve!

SET UP-Location, location location!  Set up the bar in the corner of the living room or hallway that isn't in the direct flow of traffic.  You want people to be able to find the bar easily, get their drink and move on. 

Tray-Find a pretty tray to keep all your serving essentials and liquor on. I keep a large silver tray on a console in my living room large enough for liquor, glasses and a wine bucket. 

Barware-A good cork screw (one that you can use!) a drinks shaker and twizzle sticks.

ESSENTIALS OF A WELL STOCKED BAR-

Napkins- I love linen cocktail napkins but there are so many beautiful paper napkins, perfect for cocktails.

Ice-lots of fresh ice in a pretty bucket.

Glasses-heavy old-fashioned glasses and generous wine stems make everything look fabulous

Fresh Cut fruit, yummy olives

Mixers-Cranberry and orange juices and tonic water are a good start.  If you know that a guest drinks only grapefruit and vodka make sure you have the right juice.

Liquor-Good vodka, gin, blended whiskey, bourbon, scotch and vermouth.

Wine-some prefer to only serve white, no spills or stains! 
Water-have plenty of flat and bubbly water, ice cold.

I think it's fun to have a "theme drink", especially around the holidays.  When I call friends to invite them for drinks I might say come for Christmas cosmo's--it sounds more festive and fun!

Always have something for your guests to nibble with their drinks. If you aren't going to serve heavy canapes,  a plate of prosciutto, olives, cheese and bread sticks looks pretty and there's something there that will appeal to everyone. 

Here's a delicious and festive cocktail-perfect for the holidays. Cheers!

Poinsettia Cocktail

adapted from Emeral Lagasse

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup vodka
• 1/4 cup Champagne
• 1/2 cup cranberry juice
• Crushed ice
• 2 strips orange zest, each about 1/4-inch wide and 2 inches long

Directions

Combine the vodka, Champagne and juice in a large-stemmed red wine glass. Add crushed ice and stir until the mixture is well chilled. Twist the orange strips over the glass, drop them in, and serve.